Elaine Ardene Norma Rabenhorst

Elaine Ardene Norma Rabenhorst, age 78, of Mankato, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Livestream of the service will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Elaine was born on January 20, 1947, in Frost, MN, to Erick and Lois (Wesley) Thompson, in Albert Lea, MN. Elaine grew up on the family farm and graduated from Frost High School in 1965. On June 14, 1969, Elaine was united in marriage to her soul mate, Gary Rabenhorst, in Frost, MN. Together they made countless memories through their travels.

Most of her career was spent working for the Mankato Free Press where she dedicated 25 years. Who needed spell check when you had Elaine? She also worked for the State Highway Department, Fingerhut, and spent many years selling Mary Kay.

Elaine found comfort in her strong faith and was a devoted member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Mankato. After retirement, she loved spending time up north. These trips always included stops at the World of Christmas and Cones and Crafts. Spending time with family brought her the greatest joy, whether it was baking cookies with her great-nephews, Henry and Charlie, and great-niece, Mackenzie or preparing her famous Graham Cracker bars and Chex Mix for family get-togethers.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Gary Rabenhorst; sister-in-law, Gloria Thompson; brother-in-law, John (Sherry) Rabenhorst; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Erick and Lois Thompson; her in-laws, Edgar and Margaret Rabenhorst; and her brother, Kenneth Thompson.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the ICU/PCU staff, for their exceptional care and compassion, as well as the Palliative Care team at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato and the Pathstone Short-Term Transitional Care Team.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.